Additional scientific names

Leaf litter of the Mato Groso and Rio Paraguay. These habitats are not in the tropics and thus A. borellii is more cold tolerant than most cichlids; it has been collected in water as cold as 6 celsius!

Soft water and live food encourages breeding. Like most Apistos, borellii are harem breeders; one male spreads his time between multiple females. This fish is a cave breeder; the female may lay from 50-100 eggs on the roof of a cave, which the male then fertilizes. Female will guard eggs and subsequent fry, while male will defend entire territory.

Considered to be peaceful and a good community fish. Males are territorial, and if more then one male is kept in the same tank, much space and cover must be provided to allow for the creation of each male's territory.

Provide with hiding places/caves made from driftwood and unglazed ceramic pots. In order to give them the best quality of life and enjoy the fullest display of natural behaviour, a well-planted tank should be provided. Their cold tolerance means they can be kept in a container pond during the summer in many areas.

The body is typical in shape of other South American Dwarf Cichlids. The colouration across the body and into the fins is yellow, of varying shades, with a black band running vertically down the head and through the eye. The first few spines of the dorsal and pelvic fins also have black markings. There is also a blue colour morph and a blue with yellow head colour morph.